The 18th round of negotiations between the European Union (EU) and Japan took place in Tokyo early last week. Both the EU and Japan reconfirmed in March their commitment to conclude the negotiations as soon as possible in 2017.

Both sides were working with a renewed sense of urgency in order to respect the objective of early conclusion. All issues to be covered by the agreement were discussed, including the market access for goods and services.

Later in the week, on April 7th, the third round of EU-Mexico talks for a modernised trade agreement concluded in Brussels. The aim of the round was to put on the table proposals covering all negotiating areas and start to merge texts coming from both sides.

The EU proposals presented to Mexico so far covered rules of origin, public procurement, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, energy and raw materials, intellectual property rights and trade by small and medium-sized businesses.

The overall objective of the ongoing negotiations between the EU and Mexico is to adapt the existing agreement negotiated two decades ago to the reality of today's global trade. Both sides are committed to make the agreement ready for political conclusion before the end of this year.